The best time-saving gadgets and apps of 2017

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

The just-unveiled phablet is earning raves not just as the best smartphone for business, but as a true productivity device. Much of the praise has gone to the smarter S Pen, which offers real-time text translation and allows the user to handwrite and animate messages.

Token

Slip on biometric-identity ring and move toward a key-less, card-less, password-free life. The Token promises to handle the authentication for you.

Prices start at $249, but if you didn't buy in during the (now-sold-out) preorder phase, you'll have to wait until production ramps up in spring 2018. Reservations are being taken at Token's site.

Published: September 19, 2017 -- 15:45 GMT (08:45 PDT)

Photo by: Token via Facebook

Caption by: Leslie Gornstein

ZEI°

This Bluetooth-equipped, eight-sided device from Timeular aims to save you time by letting you track your time efficiently. Assign a task to each side -- literally write "meeting" or "email" on it, if you wish -- and then flip the polygon to the appropriate side as you move from task to task.

Life Bot

This Alexa skill is a jack-of-all-trades voice bot that can send reminders and to-do lists to your phone. When you've misplaced your phone, it'll give it a ring. And when you ask it for a meditation time-out, it'll play soothing music. Enable Life Bot for free at Amazon.com.

Focus

This Mac app is a distracting-website blocker that's much more. It blocks distracting apps, too. Focus also serves up inspirational quotes, and allows you to schedule breaks so that you can peek at Facebook or email at lunch.

Download a free trial at HeyFocus.com; prices start at $19.99 for a single license for a single Mac.

Published: September 19, 2017 -- 15:45 GMT (08:45 PDT)

Photo by: HeyFocus.com

Caption by: Leslie Gornstein

Luxafor Flag

Manage -- or prevent -- workplace interruptions by attaching this LED light to your laptop, then downloading the Luxafor software, and setting the indicator to glow red (for busy, if you wish), green (you're free), or other colors and patterns.

The Luxafor Flag can also be used as a timer or time-management device. From $28 at Luxafor.com.

Published: September 19, 2017 -- 15:45 GMT (08:45 PDT)

Photo by: Luxafor via Facebook

Caption by: Leslie Gornstein

Missive

Named one of Time's best apps for 2017, Missive bills itself as "team email that works." It works with Gmail and Google Apps and allows you and your team to compose group emails and chat within email threads.

Razer Atheris mouse

Pitched to gamers for its "lag-free" performance, this wireless productivity mouse deploys a 7200 DPI optical sensor for accuracy and speed and boasts long-lasting battery performance (up to 350 hours, it says, from a pair of AAs). Get it from Razer for $49.99.

Packr

This iOS app not only helps you create a packing checklist based on your destination and length of stay, but it also intuits from your last business trip what you'll need to bring on your next one. Packr's free and premium versions ($1.99 for a download) are available via the Apple App Store.

Published: September 19, 2017 -- 15:45 GMT (08:45 PDT)

Photo by: Packr via iTunes

Caption by: Leslie Gornstein

Tile Style and Tile Sport

With its new Pro Series, the popular Bluetooth-tracker brand adds the Tile Sport and Tile Style. "They feel sturdy and look more premium" than the previous models, CNET found.

When prompted by the app, Tile says they emit a louder ring than the Mate or Slim -- the better to help you locate your passport, luggage, or whatever else you've tagged with the gadgets. Prices for the Style and Sport start at $35 each, via Tile.

Published: September 19, 2017 -- 15:45 GMT (08:45 PDT)

Photo by: Tile via Facebook

Caption by: Leslie Gornstein

Microsoft Planner

Upon its launch last year, Microsoft Planner was seen as a potentially "very useful tool" for streamlining project management. It's since added versatility with its new mobile app for Android and iOS. The mobile app is free; Planner requires an eligible Office 365 work or school subscription.

Published: September 19, 2017 -- 15:45 GMT (08:45 PDT)

Photo by: Microsoft

Caption by: Leslie Gornstein

ReachNow

This BMW-backed, car-sharing service takes the hassle out renting a car. Sign up for the service (now available in Seattle, Portland, and Brooklyn), locate a ReachNow car near you, unlock it via your smartphone or ReachNow card, and take off.

Rent by the minute, hour, or day. Drop-off is said to be as easy as leaving the car in any legal, street-parking spot within the service area. Get the free-to-download ReachNow app via the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Welltory

Chief among its features is its capability to synthesize your data from Google Fit, Fitbit, and any other number of apps and gadgets, and show you in a chart how your lifestyle is affecting your productivity. Available for free download for iOS and Android; paid add-ons available.

They're new and they're here to make your work life easier -- and more productive.

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Microsoft Planner

Upon its launch last year, Microsoft Planner was seen as a potentially "very useful tool" for streamlining project management. It's since added versatility with its new mobile app for Android and iOS. The mobile app is free; Planner requires an eligible Office 365 work or school subscription.